Chicago Booth is one of the leading business schools in the US and its MBA program is one of the best in the world. ARINGO conducted a short interview with Tom Nof, Booth MBA class of 2022, to learn about the school and the MBA program:

Tell us a bit about your pre-MBA background

I was a straight A student at high school and then served for 3 years in an elite technology unit in the army. It was in the army I first meet “people who can code” and immediately fell in love with the concept of being a programmer. In my eyes, it was like magic: creating something from nothing. I enrolled to a CS undergraduate degree. Throughout my studies, I started an additional BA in Behavioral Economics, as well as working as a software engineer intern at Microsoft. When I graduated in 2018, I moved to a full-time position in the same team at Microsoft. In my spare time I enjoy baking and practicing yoga.

What is special about your school? In your eyes, what differentiates your school from others?

In my eyes, Booth is special in terms of its sense of community. The students are very supportive of each other, even though we are competing for the same jobs, and our friend’s success is just as important to us as our own success. Another great thing here is the connection with Booth alumni – they always helped me, in the admission process, school research and admisison interview. It feels like they really care and happy to help.

Can you share some details about the atmosphere in the school? between students, between students and faculty? How do you spend your free time?

There is a great relationship between students and staff members, they make us feel they are here for our success, noy only in class but also after graduation. There is a real connection to the industry, so the studies are not only “academic” but also open to real world issues.

Can you share some details about the area/city?

The university is located at Hyde Park, but most students live in “the Loop”, right in the center of Chicago with easy access to public transportation and job opportunities for the students’ partners. Chicago is the 3rd largest city in the US and it shows – you can get anything you need! well, maybe not sunny weather :)

What did you like about the school/program? Any classes / clubs you would recommend for future students?

Personaly I really liked the competitive strategy course taught by prof Welmens. It was a great start for my first year.